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A review by sandro_reads
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I kept putting off The Nightingale despite many recommendations given the WWII subject matter and the 580 page length. Now that I am on the other side, I can see why people praise it but I just did not connect with it in the same way
I found both sisters insufferable for the plodding first half of the book, each one-dimensional in their persona: Vianne the anxiety-ridden mother and Isabelle, the reckless rebel. We are told countless times how beautiful they both are and they seem to fall in love the way that only happens in romance novels (with some truly cringey dialogue).
The second half picks up the pace as each does their part to rebel against the war and I found the perspective from an occupied France to be a part of history I knew little about. I appreciate that the book does not shy away from the brutalities of war and the end is beautiful. A mixed bag but worthwhile read.
I found both sisters insufferable for the plodding first half of the book, each one-dimensional in their persona: Vianne the anxiety-ridden mother and Isabelle, the reckless rebel. We are told countless times how beautiful they both are and they seem to fall in love the way that only happens in romance novels (with some truly cringey dialogue).
The second half picks up the pace as each does their part to rebel against the war and I found the perspective from an occupied France to be a part of history I knew little about. I appreciate that the book does not shy away from the brutalities of war and the end is beautiful. A mixed bag but worthwhile read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Antisemitism
Moderate: Child death and Rape